Edge Of Spirit – Self titled

Reviewing Japanese hardcore outfit Edge Of Spirit’s fourth album places me in a difficult position.  On the one hand I can fully understand how hardcore purists would embrace blowing their speakers and eardrums from track after track of bone crunching riffs and gut wrenching breakdowns.  But at the same time, that’s all there is; and for someone like myself who likes a little something extra in their hardcore,Edge Of Sprit’s self titled record is an exhausting and unfulfilling listen.

Now don’t get me wrong, everything is in the right place and expertly executed.  Sho’s growling vocals fit right in with those revered by Converge and Unearth fans, and damn, does this guy have a set of pipes.  With very little down time he belts off bursts of primal rage with expert stamina and consistency.  Those looking to burn off some serious steam will find this therapeutic.

Another admirable aspect of Edge Of Spirit comes from drummer Keigo.  Keigo pounds his drum with all the vigor of Thor’s hammer – and then some.  Yet he somehow lands beats with a careful complexity and underlying precision.  The result feels earth shattering on a grand scale, but also makes a case for finding great beauty in mass destruction.

But then there’s the string side of things.  Despite featuring two lead guitarists, there is very little differentiating Edge Of Sprit from any number of other hardcore acts.  Compounding matters, the chords suffer from a tiring dose of repetition eventually bringing otherwise competent tracks into the realm of monotony.  For example, despite a promising intro and vocal delivery, “Set It Sight” flounders during verse and chorus by switching back and forth between different – but no less dull – riffs.  Occasionally a much-needed metal solo finds its way into the mix as per “Don’t Stop Your Way,” but these instances are too few and far between to save the album.

So in the end, Edge Of Spirit’s self-titled effort offers thirty minutes and eight tracks of hardcore at it’s purest, but not much else.  If you absolutely love merciless growls and breakdown heavy hardcore, thenEdge Of Sprit should make a reasonable – albeit forgettable – addition to your library.  But if you’re like me and need something more than just raw anger, then you best look elsewhere.